Why Newton's Falchuk is gunning for 3% in governor's race

By Danielle AmedenDaily News Staff

Saturday

Jan 18, 2014 at 11:31 AMJul 2, 2014 at 4:16 PM

Gubernatorial candidate Evan Falchuk has his sights set not only on the state’s highest office, but also on a new political landscape.The Newton resident is campaigning both for governor and to create a new independent party – one based on socially progressive ideas and fiscally sensible solutions.As a founder of the United Independent Party, Falchuk says he is out to challenge the two-party system and build a new platform for people to get involved in government.People have lost faith in the democratic process, feeling "no one’s really listening to me," Falchuk told the Daily News editorial board Monday. He said many politicians now are "disconnected" from the priorities that most voters think are important.The United Independent Party aims to protect civil rights. It also believes everyone is equal, he said, and that the government should spend money wisely.The 43-year-old entrepreneur said he plans to collect the 10,000 signatures he needs for his name to appear on the November general election ballot. To earn his party official recognition under state law, he must tally at least 3 percent of the total vote.He said he strives to make the United Independent Party "the second party of Massachusetts" – not the third."This is a real thing that we’re building here," Falchuk said.Falchuk said he looks forward to debating his Republican and Democratic opponents in this year’s governor’s race. He’s also looking ahead to 2016, expecting the new party to have candidates for various offices to give voters a real choice.Introducing himself as an independent candidate outside supermarkets "grabs people’s attention," Falchuk said."They’re interested to hear what you’ve got to say," he said.Falchuk said he has ideas on how to lower health care and housing costs in Massachusetts - the two biggest drivers in making this one of the most expensive states in the country to live and do business, he said.He said he wants to see the state establish a rate commission to regulate fees for hospital care, and to stop allowing mergers for hospitals and health care companies that eliminate competition.When it comes to housing, Falchuk said he supports state law Chapter 40R, a tool for smart growth that allows municipalities to designate areas to add affordable homes near public transportation.Danielle Ameden can be reached at 508-626-4416 or dameden@wickedlocal.com. Follow her on Twitter @damedenMW.

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